“Hanny gave us some flowers,” Connie said to make conversation. She always tried to be friendly with everyone. “Aren’t they beautiful?”
“Humph! Very ordinary tulips I would say,” replied Mrs. Mattox. “Which one is your uncle entering in the flower show, Hanny?”
“I cannot say, Mrs. Mattox.”
“None of these, I’d judge.”
Hanny remained silent. Her unwillingness to talk angered the woman.
“How many times have I told you not to come onto my property?” she berated the children. “You tramp the flowers and damage our plantings.”
Hanny knew the accusations were unfair. It was true, though, that she had been told repeatedly not to trespass.
“We are leaving now,” she said.
“Take this leaky old tub with you,” Mrs. Mattox ordered crossly. “You will have to tow it back by the rope because it is becoming waterlogged. Now, begone!”
Hanny seized the rope and started to pull the boat alongshore. Mrs. Mattox followed close behind to see that she did not do any damage.